This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
WOODS CROSS WILDCATS
THE HURRY-UP
Woods Cross finished 11-2 overall, 6-0 in league play, and lost to Timpview, 41-13, in the semifinals in 2014.
OFFENSE
Few programs were gashed as much as Woods Cross from graduation, which saw a senior class of 30-plus players, including 20 who started on either side of the ball, continue onward. Several graduates were three-year starters, leaving the Wildcats with a lot of unproven talents waiting in the wings.
"We don't have as much size, we don't have the experience, but what we do have is a group of young, hungry fast kids," Woods Cross coach Justin Spencer said. "We've got a lot of new kids coming in, lot of young kids filling really important positions, and I think time will tell if we're going to be as competitive as we have. It's going to be hard to replicate what we've done."
Returning to the semifinals for a third consecutive season certainly will be difficult, but the Wildcats aren't starved of talent. The receiving corps comprised of Jordon Orozco, Reagan Henson, Keith Saylin, sophomore newcomer Judge Samuelu, and tight end Brock Christensen have the potential to be special.
"We've got a great crew," Spencer said. "We put two [receivers] in college last year, and this year's crop could even be better."
Junior Ian Selin, a two-way starter who will continue his duties in the defensive secondary after starting there last season, inherits the reins at quarterback. Brandon Wagstaff, who was named to the All-Tribune baseball team, will be the featured tailback, while Braxton Gunther, a standout since his sophomore season, will continue his "Percy Harvin-like" role as a major contributor both on the ground and through the air along with handling returning responsibilities on special teams.
Juniors and returning starters Davin Clement and Walker Holgreen spotlight the offensive line — another position group overwhelmed with youth.
"We need to be a little bit more efficient in our offense," Spencer said. "Our guys are all young, and so it's taking time to gel and to have the consistency that's needed to run the type of offense we want to run. We're getting there. We're definitely young, but I think the kids we have in place are ready to compete at the varsity level."
DEFENSE
Woods Cross dominated on the dark side of the ball last season, but much will change, especially with the loss of defensive coordinator Mike Tidwell, who accepted the head position at Cottonwood. Albeit deep, the front seven is completely restricted with many new faces, forcing the secondary, where the experience resides, to help ease the young players into their varsity roles. Selin, Luke Robinson and Gunther are returning starters in the back end, with Sayling as a new but capable addition. Wagstaff, who can contribute in pass coverage, adds another element at linebacker as the only returning starter in the front seven.
"Strength is definitely team speed, which I'm excited about," Spencer said. "The speed on the defensive side is really good. I do believe our defense will be our strength again."
Mitch Dalley and Jeremy Sperry join Wagstaff in the middle tier of the defense, while Davis Kendrick, Beau King and juniors Jack Liston and Jaxson McBridge top what is expected to be a deep defensive line.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Region 5 is a crapshoot. The competition stretches from top to bottom, without a significant frontrunner. Woods Cross will be in the equation once again, and if the talent lives up to expectations, it could push for another region championship.
BIG SHOES
Tanner Hammond was efficient and productive at quarterback last season, throwing for more than 1,300 yards with an 18-3 touchdown-interception ratio. Spencer is confident in Selin manning the huddle, but Hammond remains a difficult piece to replace.
PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH IN REGION: 4
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: None
Rushing: Braxton Gunther (Sr.), 96 att., 537 yds., 5 TDs
Receiving: Braxton Gunther, 13 rec., 169 yds., 1 TD
Tackles: Braxton Gunther, 62 tackles
Sacks: Brandon Wagstaff (Sr.), 1
Interceptions: Braxton Gunther, 3
2014 RANKINGS
OFFENSE AVERAGE REGION (of 6) CLASS (of 26)
Scoring: 31.5ppg 1 4
Rushing: 194.5ypg 5 10
Passing: 157.7ypg 2 10
Total: 352.2ypg 2 8
DEFENSE
Scoring: 13.8ppg 1 2
Rushing: 91.7ypg 1 2
Passing: 171.9ypg 5 15
Total: 263.6ypg 3 4
COACHING BIO
Name: Justin Spencer
Years with school: 3
Alma mater: University of Utah
PROJECTED STARTERS
OFFENSE
QB: Ian Selin (5-9, 155, Jr.)
RB: Brandon Wagstaff (5-10, 190, Sr.)
WR: Braxton Gunther (6-0, 180, Sr.)
WR: Jordon Orozco (6-0, 165, Jr.)
WR: Reagan Henson (5-10, 165, Sr.)
WR: Keith Saylin (5-10, 150, Sr.)
LT: Taylor Clark (6-3, 250, Sr.)
LG: Davin Clement (6-0, 235, Jr.)
C: Walker Holgreen (6-3, 250, Jr.)
RG: Dillon Allred (6-1, 230, Sr.)
RT: Jake Watkins (So.)
DEFENSE
DE: Davis Kendrick (Sr.)
DT: Jack Liston (6-0, 200, Jr.)
DT: Jaxson McBride (6-0, 210, Jr.)
DE: Beau King (Sr.)
LB: Mitch Dalley (6-0, 190, Jr.)
LB: Jeremy Sperry (5-9, 160, Jr.)
LB: Brandon Wagstaff (5-10, 190, Sr.)
DB: Ian Selin (5-9, 155, Jr.)
DB: Luke Robinson (5-10, 165, Sr.)
SS: Keith Saylin (5-10, 160, Sr.)
FS: Braxton Gunther (6-0, 180, Sr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Spencer Kirkham (Jr.)
P: Keith Saylin (5-10, 160, Sr.)
R: Braxton Gunther (6-0, 180, Sr.)
R: Jace Feller (5-6, 155, Jr.)
2015 SCHEDULE
Date, opponent, time (2014 result)
Aug. 21, at Maple Mountain, 7 p.m. (Won, 19-7/Won, 37-7)
Aug. 28, at Judge Memorial, 7 p.m. (Won, 27-14)
Sept. 4, Viewmont, 7 p.m. (Won, 35-7)
Sept. 11, Bonneville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18, at Bountiful, 7 p.m. (Won, 10-0)
Sept. 25, Box Elder, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2, at Highland, 7 p.m. (Won, 28-12)
Oct. 9, Mountain View, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14, Lone Peak, 7 p.m.
Oct. 22, at East, 7 p.m. (Won, 45-28)